But when the set time had fully come,(A) God sent his Son,(B) born of a woman,(C) born under the law,(D) to redeem(E) those under the law, that we might receive adoption(F) to sonship.[a](G) Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son(H) into our hearts,(I) the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[b] Father.”(J) So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.(K)

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians

Formerly, when you did not know God,(L) you were slaves(M) to those who by nature are not gods.(N) But now that you know God—or rather are known by God(O)—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces[c]? Do you wish to be enslaved(P) by them all over again?(Q) 10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!(R)

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Footnotes

  1. Galatians 4:5 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a legal term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture.
  2. Galatians 4:6 Aramaic for Father
  3. Galatians 4:9 Or principles

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